Best bar in Chicago for a shy, quiet guy

[Garfieldian]

I would recommend a chill neighborhood pub, not a "hot" nightlife spot. Chicago is loaded with neighborhood watering holes... you'll start seeing the same people over and over again. I can't really recommend such a place in Wickerpark but if you were in south loop/ravenswood/rogers park I could recommend a few watering holes. I'm sure they exist, but anytime I go to wicker park it's usually for a bit more rowdy nightlife.

That being said personally I think bars are terrible places to meet datable people. That has been my experience at least. I'm in my 30s and single and never spawned a relationship from a bar. Though have had plenty from elsewhere. I would recommend doing stuff you are interested in and being more social there...

Do you like to cook? go to a cooking class
Like to play tennis? Join a tennis club
Have some social cause? Go volunteer at that.
Never turn down an invite to a house party 10-20 people where it is expected that people are mingling.

If you do go to a bar... sit or hang out around the bar, not a table. Also get to know your bar tenders, they like to play matchmaker sometimes.

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by Garfieldian

That being said personally I think bars are terrible places to meet datable people.

No lie. What you mostly meet in bars are barflies.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by linicx

How abotu speed dating. Is there much of that in Chicago?

I can't imagine a shy person getting into speed dating. Personally, just the thought of it makes me ill.

[Attrill]

Originally Posted by Garfieldian

Do you like to cook? go to a cooking class
Like to play tennis? Join a tennis club
Have some social cause? Go volunteer at that.
Never turn down an invite to a house party 10-20 people where it is expected that people are mingling.

This pretty well sums it up, and I agree with GreenTrails that Meetup can be a good way to find groups of people with similar interests. Just get involved in a group that is doing something you're interested in and you'll meet people. You may not find someone you start dating, but at least you'll find people to go to parties and bars with, and that will increase your chance of meeting someone. I have a friend who knew no one when he moved to Chicago but started to go to Linux User Group meetings. That's not the best place to meet women, but he met his wife at a birthday party for someone he met through the user group.

I would agree with all the previous posters who think bars are a bad place to meet people. It isn't the 1970's, and unless you're in college most people are going to bars to meet some friends and have a beer, not to make new friends or hook up.

[expatChicagoan]

Originally Posted by Attrill

I would agree with all the previous posters who think bars are a bad place to meet people. It isn't the 1970's, and unless you're in college most people are going to bars to meet some friends and have a beer, not to make new friends or hook up.

I think it depends where you are sitting in the bar - I have a couple of friends who recently moved to the US from the UK, and they have made lots of friends by going to bars (mostly the bars in restaurants), and sitting at the bar. They get friendly with the bartender, who then introduces them to some of the regulars. It can happen, even though this isn't the 70's (not that I would know - I was too young to go to bars in the 70's...)

[Garfieldian]

Originally Posted by expatChicagoan

I think it depends where you are sitting in the bar - I have a couple of friends who recently moved to the US from the UK, and they have made lots of friends by going to bars (mostly the bars in restaurants), and sitting at the bar. They get friendly with the bartender, who then introduces them to some of the regulars. It can happen, even though this isn't the 70's (not that I would know - I was too young to go to bars in the 70's...)

Yeah that's why I said actually sit at the bar. But even so...they met friends, not dates :P The bar is where you go to gossip about your dates, with your friends.

[expatChicagoan]

But if you can make friends at a bar, they could be of both genders, right? It might not lead to a date immediately, but you increase your circle of friends, you increase your opportunity of finding someone to date. JMO

[Vlajos]

How about Guthries? Not necessarily quiet, but good place to meet people and it's not crazy.

[FlyiMetro]

Originally Posted by Caldus

I live in Wicker Park and looking for a nice, quiet bar where I have a shot at meeting nice people and possibly a date later on. Anyone know of a good place for a person like me? I'm not interested in trying to meet people in a place like a church. I'm not religious and won't ever be again. Online dating hasn't been working for me at all either. So I'm ready to just go out and embarrass myself if I have to in order to finally meet someone. I just want to get down to the point. Anyone know of a good place? You will probably save my life. Or not.

This sounds more suited for the relationship forum, most girls dont like the shy, quiet guy, so if you want to meet chicks in any bar, you have to stop being shy and approach someone.

[SJaye]

Originally Posted by FlyiMetro

This sounds more suited for the relationship forum, most girls dont like the shy, quiet guy, so if you want to meet chicks in any bar, you have to stop being shy and approach someone.

Well, that would be true if the OP were asking for advice on how to meet women at a bar, but I am not sure that is the case. Seems like the OP was asking if we knew which bars in the Wicker Park neighborhood had a certain atmosphere; not focused around something like sporting events, and where he does not have to talk over loud music.

I don't know if the ideal place exists in Wicker Park, but I would try Lemmings or Blue Line Lounge and Grill... Violet Hour if you want to go classier.

I do, however, agree with the above statements that there may be better ways to meet women- if you are looking for a relationship, and there is some good advice in some of those posts.